Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs, and it can make you feel very sick. It's usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral.

What is the difference between pneumonia virus and coronavirus?

People who get pneumonia may also have a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It's a disease that comes on quickly and causes breathing problems. The new coronavirus causes severe inflammation in your lungs. It damages the cells and tissue that line the air sacs in your lungs.

Can you catch pneumonia from someone who has it?

Pneumonia is contagious just like a cold or flu when it is caused by infectious microbes. However, pneumonia is not contagious when the cause is related to a type of poisoning like inhalation of chemical fumes.